Japan's New Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Donald Trump.

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense issues, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.